MERLOT AND ORANGE JUICE RECIPES

Steps:

• Place cinnamon sticks and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag., In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the wine, sugar, orange juice, brandy and orange slices. Add spice bag. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour or until heated through. Discard spice bag and orange slices. Serve warm; if desired, garnish with orange wedges and additional cinnamon sticks.

Steps:

• Combine the basil, oregano, rosemary, orange juice, orange zest, Merlot and garlic and pour over the rinsed lamb shanks in a wide glass dish (shanks should be in a single layer).
• Turn the shanks to coat and cover.
• Marinate 2 hours at room temperature, turning the meat every half hour or marinate in the refrigerator, turning meat occasionally.
• Remove the shanks from the marinade and dry them with paper towels. Reserve the marinade.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Season the lamb with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat for 20 seconds. Add the olive oil and heat for 10 seconds then lower the heat to medium-high and add the lamb shanks.
• Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes until browned on all sides.
• Place shanks in a single layer in a casserole dish and pour the chicken stock into the hot pan.
• Scrape up any meat particles, add them to the reserved marinade and pour over the shanks in the casserole and cover with a lid (use foil if no lid).
• Put casserole in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. (The hot oven will sear the meat initially, but the mixture needs to cook at a lower temperature or the meat will toughen.).
• Roast for 45 minutes then baste and cook for another 1-1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
• If the liquid has reduced greatly, add 1/2 cup of water to the pan.
• Remove the shanks to a serving platter and keep warm.
• If the gravy is too watery, boil the liquid down 5-10 minutes, or until it is the consistency of tomato sauce.
• Drizzle some of the sauce over the shanks and serve.